Automatic looms



Sept lO, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALx 2,805,586

' AUTOMATIC Loon/1s Filed June 1. 1955 7 sheets-sheet 1 ,THREE-WAY soLE/Vo/D VALVE FOR PICKER sT/cKA/R CYLINDER LAYnErRAcToR VALVE Z4 rl/1 BYMMMQ L ATTORNEY Seht 10, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALX AuToMATc LooMs 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 1. 1953 Sept 10, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALx 2,805,686

l AUTOMATIC LOOMS med June 1, 195s 7 sheets-sheet s .coMPm AIR.,

62 so -THREEWAY soLElvo/o VALVE swf/'CH 0pm /NVE N TOR WWW/WD ADR/AN 7. .GODSCHA Lx l smoke o/-LAY y m AYBACK LA Y FORWARD ATTRNEY Sept 10, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALx 2,805,686

AUTOMATIC LOOMS y Filed Junel, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 /NVENTOR ADR/ANTGODSCHALX 5? an@ Sepf 10, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALx 2,805,635

AUTOMATIC LOOMS Filed June l, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 M FIGJ Z5-V 1H* 7 n- 70] 3 YL' foo 98 i mm" l 107 FIG 15 /N VE N TOR ADR/AN 7.' GODSCHALX @M/ful@ ATTORNEY Sept 10, 1957 A. T. GODSCHALX AUTOMATIC LOOMS ATORNEY Sept 10, 1957 A. T. GoDscHALx 2,805,686

AUTOMATIC LOOMS 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed June l, 1953 /N VEN TOR ADR/AN 7.' GODASCHA Lx ATTORNEY lzumo zuri SEHPSIW L ...zmml mmrutm Enom:

nited States Patent AUTOMATIC LOGMS Adrian T. Godschalx, Appleton, Wis.

Application dune l, 1953, Serial No. 358,589

23 Qlaims. (Cl. 139ml) The present invention relates to looms for weaving wire cloth and other fabrics, and more particularlyy to looms of the automatic type and to controlling and protective systems therefor.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide an automatic 4loom having a shedding motion, a lay motion, and a shuttle motion which are electrically coordinated in such manner as to effect proper cyclic operation of the loom.

Another object is to provide an automatic loom of this character in which these various loom motions can be independently and individually actuated by the operator.

Still another object is to provide a loom having electrically controlled shuttle-throwing means which normally operates in coordination with the lay motion but is operable at will independently of lay actuation.

A further object is to provide a loom-controlling system which will prevent throwing of the shuttle unless a fully open warp shed and other proper conditions are present, which will prevent fall or advance of the lay unless the shuttle is properly boxed and the weft has been properly laid in the shed, and which will prevent false action of the shuttle throwing means in the event that the shuttle is in the wrong box or is absent.

A further object is to provide a loom in which the shuttle, in its ejection from the shuttle box, will control the duration of the shuttle throwing impulse, so as to compensate for variable factors such as the variable Weight of the pim-carrying shuttle.

A further object is to provide a loom control system which will permit manual control of shuttle flight with or without pirn for set-up purposes or testing shuttle tracking, proper box entry or circuit testing, and which will permit manual shuttle throw only While the lay is in fully retracted position and the shed is fully open.

A further object is to provide a loom having timing or sequence-scheduling means which will allocate a period in the loom cycle for shuttle flight, which will effect safe Shut-down of the loom with retraction of the lay if the shuttle ight is not completed in the allotted time, and which will supervise the position of the shuttle during beat-up and yallow beat-up only on alternate shuttle throws.

A further object is to provide a loom having weftpositioning means for placing a continuous and properly tensioned weft in proper position in the shed before the forward stroke of the lay, and to prevent beat-up if the weft is improperly laid or is absent.

A further object is to provide a loom control system which will facilitate the operation of placing the loom in condition for Weaving, which will inform the operator in which shuttle box to insert the shuttle, and which will prevent starting of the loom unless the shuttle is properly boxed.

A further object is to provide a loom which normally operates continuously, but which is arranged to operate at will for the period or cycle of a single shed change, either with or without a shuttle throw, and with or without beatup, the loom operation automatically terminating at the end of the cycle and in a suitably indexed condition for a succeeding cycle.

A further object is to provide a loom including a reciprocatory lay and controlling means therefor permitting the operator to hold the lay in advanced and retracted positions.

A further object is to provide a loom having power means which can be quickly disconnected from driven parts of the loom, either voluntarily by the operator or automatically in response to abnormal conditions.

A further object is to provide a wire weaving loom which will produce wire cloth of improved quality and which will permit increased speed of operation.

A still further object is to provide improvements on looms of the type disclosed in United States Patent 1,790,- 335 to Weissenborn, issued January 27, 1931, and in United States Patent 978,248 to Weissenborn, issued December 13, 1910.

The invention further consists in the several features hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a right-hand side elevation of an automatic wire-weaving loom embodying the invention, the loom lay being shown in its freely suspended position;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a portion of the loom on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the loom taken generally on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of a rotary timer cam switch mechanism, parts being shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional elevation of the cam switch mechanism, taken generally on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detail View of a releasable or collapsible clutch-operating linkage, parts being shown in section;

Fig. 7 is a detail view of a lay-actuated multiple switch assembly;

Fig. 8 is a detail top plan view of the left-hand laycarried shuttle box and weft stretch-olf assembly, a weftengaging arm thereof being shown in advanced position in full lines and in retracted position in broken lines, and parts of the loom frame and lay being shown in section;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the left-hand shuttle box, taken generally on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. l0 is a detail front elevation of a left-hand stretcholf mechanism, as it appears when the weft-engaging arm is in advanced position;

Fig. 11 is a detail front elevation of the left-hand laycarried shuttle box and stretch-off mechanism, the stretcholf arm being shown in retracted position, and parts of a loom side frame being shown in section;

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view taken generally on the line 12-12 of Fig. l1 and showing a cam disk of the stretch-olf mechanism as it appears when the mechanism is in weft-stretching position;

Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of the lay showing the weft Stretching-0E operation, the position of the laid weft immediately before stretch-olf being indicated by broken lines; n t

Fig. 14 is a schematic wiring diagram of the loom controlling and protective system, and f Fig. 15 is a timing or operation sequence diagram for the loom.

In the drawings, the numeral 15 designates the spaced side frame members of a loom between which are mounted the Warp beam 16, the breast beam 17 and the receiving roll 18, all asusual. A swinging lay 19 is operated, as hereinafter described, to beat up the weft wire 21 left by the shuttle 22 in its travel through theY shed formed be- 3 tween the warp wires 23 by the alternate reciprocation of the heddles 24. The lay is here shown to be of the swingably. suspended type having lay swords 25 carrying at their lower ends a lay beam `26 with a reed 27.

Theheddles 24 are `connected by chains 28 to an oscillatory heddle shaft 29 kin the usual manner, and the heddle shaft is provided with a collar 30 `which. is connected by chains 31 to a pair i-of `treadles 32 .which are pivotally mounted at their rear portions on the loom frame. The treadles 32 serve to oscillate the heddle shaft 29 through the chains 31 yand are reciprocated by cams 33 on a cam shaft 34, Fig. 3.

The cam shaft 34 carries a gear 35 meshing with a gear 36 on a shaft 37 journalled in bearing brackets 38 and 39. The shaft 37 -actuates suitable let-off vand take-up mechanismpnot shown, as in the above mentioned Patent 1,790,335` to Weissenborn.

The cam shaft 34 is driven from any suitable source of power, preferably an electric motor 40 which transmitsrpower to the` cam shaft through a combined friction clutch and brakeunit 41 and a speed reducer 42. The clutch-brake unit 41 is provided with a shifting lever 43 is energized, compressd air is admitted to the air cylinder 59 to urge the latch plunger in latching direction, and whenever the winding is deenergized the cylinder is exhausted to atmosphere, permitting the spring 57 to retract the latch plunger out of latching position. Deenergization of the winding 61 will occur under abnormal conditions, as hereinafter described, causing collapse or release of the telescoping link 45 so as to effect movement of the clutch-brake unit 41 from clutching to braking position under urge of the weighted arm 54. After a release of the collapsible link 45 a manual movement of the shipper rod from its on" position to its off secured toa supporting shaft 44 and connected `by an elecl tricallycontrolled releasable or collapsible link 45, hereinafter more fully described, to a lever 46 secured to the rear end of a horizontally disposed rock-shaft 47, the rock-shaft 47 being journalled in bearing brackets` 4S secured to one of the side frame members of the loom. The forward end of the rock-shaft 47 fis provided with an upwardly projecting lever 49 having a forked upper end operatively connected to the usual shipper rod or clutch pole 50 which extends horizont-ally at the front of and parallel to the breast` beam 17,the 4opposite ends of the shipper rod being slidably mounted in brackets 51 carried by theside members of the loom frame. By means of the above described connections including the shipper rod 50 and the clutch-brake unit 41, the operator is able to control the transmission of power to the heddleoperating cam shaft 34 or to ystop the operation of the cam shaft, and this may be accomplished at any point along the front of the machine.

The cam shaft 34 may also `be stopped automatically under abnormal conditions by control means hereinafter described cooperating with the` releasable link 45. The

link45 comprises two telescopicallyrelated members 52 and 53,` which are normally iixed with respect to each other but. are releasable to permit relative longitudinal movement of the link members, thus effecting `release of the clutch ofthe clutch-brake unit 41, ya weighted arm 54 on thc lever-supporting shaft 44 moving the clutch-brake unit 41 to braking position. Instead of a weighted arm it is of course possible to use an equivalent spring. In the present instance, the link 4S is under longitudinal oompression when the clutch is engaged, and the link collapses when 1t is released. However, it will be understood that this relation will be reversed in the caseV of a tensiontype link, the two link members being then relatively extensible when thelink is released. The link member 52 yis tubular and slidably receives therein the rod-like link member 53. The inner link member 53 has formed thereabout an annular groove 55 which is provided with in-` clined sides and is adapted to receive therein the camforming Vend portion of a radially extending latch plunger 56 slidable in the outer link member 52. The latch plunger is retracted out of latching position by a coiled spring 57, and is provided with a piston 58 slidably fitting in an air cylinder 59 for` urging the plunger to latching position, the cylinder being carried on the outer link member 52. The air cylinder 59 is controlled by a suitably supported three-way solenoid valve 60 having an actuating coil or winding 61. The three-way valve 60, which is of conventional construction per se, is supplied with compressed air byan air line 62, and is connected to the air cylinder 59 by a iiexible hose 63 to charge and exhaust the cylinder. As long `as the solenoid winding 61 position will cause the latch plunger 56 to register with the cooperating groove 55 in the link member 53, so that restoration of air pressure` in the air cylinder 59 by reenergization of the solenoid valve winding 61 will effect relatching of the link members.

As usual, the pivotally suspended lay 19 is swung to its dwell or back position by compressed air, and for this purpose the lay is pivotally connected to a piston rod 65 secured to a piston 66 slidable in lay-retract'ing air cylinder 67. Upon release of` air pressure from the air cylinder, the lay will swing on its forward or beat-up stroke by gravity and with the assistance of the usual coiled tension spring 68 which is connected at its rear end to the loom frame and at its front end to a rock lever 69 operatively connected to the lay by a link or pusher rod 70, the spring being capable of adjustment to regulate the throw of the lay. Admission and exhaust of air with respect to the cylinder 67 are effected by the usual solenoid-controlled valve 71, the coil 71 of which in the present instance is under both automatic and manual control as yhereinafter described.

The swinging lay 19 is provided with shuttle boxes 72a and 72b at' opposite ends alternately receiving the shuttle 22 which passes over the usual shuttle track or board 74, the shuttlebeing provided with the usual pirn 75. The shuttle is thrown through the shed as by means of picker sticks 76 each having at its lower end a picker block 77 engageable with the shuttle. The usual shuttle brake or check 78 is provided at each shuttle box. The picker sticks are pivotally mounted on respective brackets 79 secured to the lay swords and are alternately actuated by respective air cylinders Si) `carried on the upper portions of the lay swords, each cyinder having therein a piston 81 operatively connected to the upper end of the associated picker stick. The admission and exhaust of air with rcspect to the air cylinders are effected by electrically controlled valves 82, such as solenoid-operated three-way valves, 4which are mounted on the side members of the loom frame land are connected `to the respective air cylinders by iiexible hoses S3. The two thrower orrpicker valves S2 have respective coils or windings 82a and 82h which are under both automatic and manual control as hereinafter described. A compressed air line 84 is connected to each three-way valve 82. As hereinafter described, the`solenoid valves 82 are alternately and moi mentarily energized at the proper points in the loom cycleto throw the shuttle in opposite directions, and provision is made, as hereinafter described, for both automatic and manual control of these valves. Each picker stick isretracted by a coiled spring 85 and its throwing travel is limited by a cushion buffer 86.

The left-hand shuttle box 72b is provided near opposite ends with shuttle-operated switches 37b and 88h, Figs. 3 and 8, and the right-hand shuttle box 72a is provided with similar switches 87a and 88a, Fig. 3. When the shuttle is fully boxed in either box, the two switches of the shuttle-,holding box are both closed. The switches 87d and 8712 are placedl near the open ends of the shuttle boxes and are closed by the shuttle when it enters the boxes and opened when the shuttle leaves the boxes, whiic the switches 88a and 88b are placed near the closed ends ,ofthe boxes and are `closed by the shuttle as soon as the shuttle is fully boxed and are opened when the shuttle starts on its yflight. The several shuttle box switches are connected in control circuits hereinafter described. The shuttle box switches may be constructed in various ways and each is here shown to be formed by a pair of insulated spring-pressed metal Contact studs 89 which are carried by leaf springs 90 secured to the side walls of the shuttle boxes and are bridged by the metal shuttle when it enters the boxes. Both contact studs of each of the switches 88a and 88b are placed in the rear wall of the associated shuttle box, while the contact studs of each of the switches 87a and 87b are preferably placed opposite each other in the front and rear walls of the box so as to minimize any tendency of the shuttle to lishtail as it is thrown from the box.

The loom is provided with automatic weft stretch-olf or tensioning means, as hereinafter described. in accordance with one feature of the present invention, the newly laid weft wire is subjected to a supervised stretch-off or tensioning operation which positions the weft wire in substantially straight condition lnear and parallel to the fell while the shed is fully open, or approximately so, and before the beat-up stroke of the lay, the straight tensioned condition of the weft wire being maintained until beat-up. The tensioning, which removes curls and waves from the weft wire payed out from the shuttle pirn, occurs as soon as the shuttle is boxed, thus minimizing danger of forming snarls, kinks or snicks in the weft wire, and permitting increased loom speed. The tensioning further regulates and measures the length of the weft wire. The successively laid weft wires are therefore of substantially uniform character, resulting in wire cloth of improved quality.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the weft stretch-off or tensioning means also forms part of a weft detection means to stop the operation of the loom if the weft wire is absent or is improperly laid, as

hereinafter described.

Each shuttle box has secured to its front portion a bracket 91 in which a vertical rock-shaft 92 is jounnalled. The rock-shaft 92 is spring-biased in stretch-off direction, as by means of a coiled spring 93 attached at one end to the lay and at the other end to a strap 94 fastened to a peripherally grooved disk 95 which is secured to the lower end of the rock-shaft, the spring urging the rockshaft toward a limit position where a stop pin 96 on the disk engages a projection 97 on the bracket. The above noted Weissenborn Patent 978,248 shows a like arrangement. A crank arm 9S xed on the upper end of the rock-shaft 92 carries a roller 99 which, on the retractingnswing of the lay, is engageable with a cam 100 carried`on a supporting arm 101 mounted on the outside of the loom frame, 'so as to swing the rock-shaft and its parts to the position shown in Fig. ll and in broken lines in Fig. 8. Each cam arm 101 is shiftably mounted for movement into and out of camming position, and is here shown to be in the form of a lever projecting forwardly from an adjustable pivotal mounting 102 on the loom frame, the arm or lever being swingable upwardly into camming position and downwardly out of camming position. The right-hand and left-hand cam arms or levers are swung upwardly into camming position in readiness for the back stroke of the lay by electrically controlled means including respective electromagnets 103m and 103b energized as hereinafter described, leach electromagnet being connected to the associated cani arm by a link 104. Each cam arm is movable downwardlyout of camming position by gravity, or by a spring 105, or by both gravity and the spring, when theassociated clectromagnet is deenergized.

A weft stretch-off or tension arm 106 is fixed on each rock-shaft 92 at a higher elevation than the shuttle path and has a downwardly projecting free end carrying a spool or roller M7, the roller tapering downwardly and having aperipheral bottom flange 108. At the time the cam roller 99 is in engagement with the lifted cam 100,

. 6 as shown in Fig. l1, the stretch-off arm roller 107 stands to' the rear of the path of the shuttle, beyond the end of the rear guard plate 109 of the shuttle box and in position to swing forwardly into engagement with the weft wire left by the shuttle. As the cam arm 101 is swung downwardly off the roller 99 by the spring 105, after deenergization of the elec't'romagnet 103a or 103k, the spring 93 will tunn the rock-shaft 92 and swing the take-up arm 106 forwardly, so that the take-up roller 107 will engage the weft wire and draw it taut to the position shown in Figs. 8 and 13. By means of the electrical control of the cam arms 101, the stretch-off or tension arm 106 can be released for the weft-tensioning travel immediately after the shuttle is boxed and before the lay starts on its forward stroke.

ln the forward movement of each stretch-off arm 106, the weft wire is drawn beneath the head of a springpressed wire clamp 110 which is slidably mounted in the bracket 91 and is urged downwardly by a superposed coil spring 111. The wire clamp is normally held elevated or open by a learn 112 on the disk 95 riding against the lower end of the clamp, but before the stretch-off arm 106 has reached the end of its weft-tensioning throw the cam 112 passes from beneath the clamp 110 which thereupon lowers onto the weft wire to hold it against slippage during the remainder of the movement of the take-up arm, so as to give a slight tension to the weft wire during the remainder of the travel of the stretch-off arm and the remainder of the forward movement of the lay before the weft wire is struck by the reed. On vthe return movement of the layy to the position of dwell the roller 99 again engages the cam 100 carried by the cam arm 101, which has previously been lifted to camming position by the electromagnet 103:1 or 103b, so as to return the stretch-ofi arm to its position shown in Fig. ll and in broken lines in Fig. 8, the loop of the weft wire having been dropped thereby to be taken up by the movement of the shuttle when it is thrown to the other side.

When the loom is shut down, the deenergization of the electromagnets 103e and 103b will permit the cam arms 101 to drop, thus allowing the stretch-off arms 106 to swing forwardly, but upon subsequently preparing the loom for weaving these arms can be returned to their rearward position by energizing the electromagnets through manually controlled circuit means, as hereinafter described, the camming action of the cam arms on the rollers 99 during the lifting of the cam aimsV effecting retraction of the take-up arms. As an alternative, the cam arms may belifted to camming position before the lay is swung back.

By stretching oif the laid weft wire while the shed is fully open and before the lay starts to fall, the weft wire, instead of assuming a variable curved or bowed shape, can be brought lclose to and parallel to the fell, thus improving the quality of the wire cloth. The early actuation of the stretch-off means in the loom cycle also permits increased weaving speed.

A switch 113i), such as a Micro switch, Figs. l0 and ll, is mounted on the left-hand shuttle box bracket 91 and is actuated by a cam 114 on the disk 95 during the rocking movement of the stretch-off arm.V A similar switch 113a, Fig. 2, is mounted on the right-hand shuttle box bracket. Atopposite ends of the travel of each stretch-oft arm 106 the switch 11319 (or 11311) is in a rst position, preferably an open position, while in an intermediate part of the travel of the stretch-olf arm this switch is in a second position, preferably a closed position. The switch 11311 (or 113e) is in its second position if the weft wire is properly laid so as Vto permit continued operation of the loom, as hereinafter described. If the weft wire is absent as by reason of an empty shuttle pirn, or is too short or broken, or is excessively slack `as by reasonrof a defective wire clamp, the stretch-olf arm 106 will swing forwardly beyond its normal rangerof assess movement, thereby causing opening of the switch 113thV (or 113e). If the weft wire is laid in such manner as to have inadequate slack, such as by reason of an im-` properly operating pirn, the stretch-off arm will swing` forwardly an insuicient distance to close the switch 11312 (or 11351), whereupon, in either case, through suitable control means hereinafter described, the loom will be' stopped. Referring to Fig. 8, the switch 113b will be closed whenever the stretch-off arm 106 is'in the range between the two forward arm positions shown by broken lines.

The control system of the loom includes a rotary timer cam switch mechanism 115, shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5, which schedules the sequence of events for aut4 matic and semi-automatic operation of the loom, and in addition supervises loom operation under manual control as hereinafter described.` The switch mechanism 115 includes a frame 116 in which is journalled a cam shaft 117 driven from vthe shed-changing drive shaftor cam shaft 34, asby a chain 118, to time the schedule with the shed changes, these cam shafts forming parts of a master timing means for the loom. lIn the present instance, the cam shaft 117 of the switch mechanism is driven at the same speed as the shaft 34. The cam shaft 117 carries thereon a series of flanged hubs 119 to which are adjustably secured respective cams 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132, for operating respective Micro switches 121, 123, 125, 1,27, 129, 131, and 133 during the rotation of the cam shaft, the switches being carried by angle brackets 134 secured to a cross bar 135 of the frame 116. Each cam comprises a pair` of 7insulating disks 136 which are peripherally notched or cut away and are clamped to the supporting hubs as `by `screws 136', the disks 136 being angularly adjustable with respect to each 'other and to the `supporting hub to effect actuation of the associated switchat the desired points in the cycle of operation. Each cam-operated switch includes a pivoted arm 137 `carrying a roller 138 engageable with the periphery of the associated cam. The several cam-operated switches are connected in the system y as hereinafter described.

The loom control system further includes lay-actuated switches 139, 140 and 141 which are mounted on one of the `side frame members of the loom, as best seen in Fig. 7, and are connected in the system as hereinafter described. The switch 139, here shown to be of the plunger type, is open for most ofthe loom cycle and 1s closed `for a short interval during the end Vportion of the retracting stroke of the lay to actuatc the solenoid valves 82 for the shuttle-throwing air cylinders 80, as

hereinafter described. One of the lay swords carries a bracket 142 on which is adjustably secured a cam plate 143 for actuating the shuttle-throwing switch 139. When the lay` is fully back at its dwell, as seen in Fig. 7, the

switch 139 reopens, permitting retraction of the picker i stick. On the advance or beat-up stroke of `the lay, the switch 139 is again momentarily closed, but this is of no consequence as the control circuits for `the .shuttlethrowing cylinders are then open at other points. If desired, the switch 139 may be of a one-way type.

The switch 140, here shown to be of an over-travel lever type, is closed for most of the` loom cycle and is open for a short interval commencing during the initial part of the forward `stroke. of the lay to test for a properlylaid weft wire, as hereinafter described. The lay bracket 142 is provided atits lower side with an adjustablepcam 144 which engages the roller-carrying rock lever 145 of the switch 140. On the retracting stroke of the lay the cam 144 swings ,the rock lever 145 `rear- Wardly without ,causing opening of the switch 146, and Von the `forward stroke of the lay the cam swings the rock Vlever'forwardly to open the switch, the switch reclosing before the time of beat."

The swit'c1i`141 is openduring mostlof the loom cycle Aandis Aclosed while the lay is nat and `near its dwell.

8 Closure of the switch is here shown to be effected by the cam plate 143. The purpose of the switch 141 is to preventmanual throwing of the shuttle except when the lay is at or near its dwell, as hereinafter described.

A` pair of heddle positionswitches 146, one for each heddle frame, are mounted on one of the side frame members of the loom. The switches 146 have suitable circuit connections and arehere shown to be connected in parallel. Each of these switches is closed by the associated heddle frame when the frame reaches its uppermost position, representing a fully open condition of the shed. The switches 146 are included in control circuits hereinafter described to prevent throwing of the shuttle unless the shed is fully open. ln the `case of a loom having more than two heddle frames, such as a loom with three heddle frames for use in weaving twill weave cloth, there will be a switch 146 for each heddle frame.`

Thev clutch-brake, operating lever 43, which is swung by the shipper rod 50, actuates a lever-type switch mechanism or control station 147 of conventional construction per se comprising two series-connected switches 148 and 149, shownschematically in Fig. 14. In the Ott position of the shipper rod, the switch 149 is open and the switch 148 is closed, and in the On position of the shipper rod, the switch 149 is closed and the switch 148 is open. However, during operation of the switch mechanism both switches thereof are momentarily in closed condition. The switch mechanism 147 is used to control various loom circuits hereinafter described.

The shedding drive motor is supplied with current, such as three-phase alternating current, from line conductors 150,151, and 152, through a main switch 153 and a magnetic contactor switch 154, the latter having an actuating coil 155 and having in addition to motor `current contacts 156, 157, and 15S, a paixof auxiliary contacts A159 and 169. A step-down transformer 161 is connected to two of the line `conductors and supplies alternating current at reduced voltage, such as volts, to control lines or buses 162and 163 for some of the control circuits. A second step-down transformer 164 is connected across the buses 162 and 163 and supplies current to a bridge-type rectifier 165, the output of which is connected to control lines or buses 166 and 167 which furnish direct current at low voltage, such as l2 volts, to other control circuits.

The coil 'of the magnetic contacter switch 154 is connected in a circuit 168 which extends from the bus 162 to the bus 163 and includes in series n Stop push-button switch 169, a Start push-button switch 178, motor overload switches 171 and 172, and the coil 155, the latter having one terminal connected to the bus 163. The Start push-button switch is connected in parallel with t the auxiliary contacts 16h of the motor contactor switch 154 to provide a `holding circuit. An indicator or ready lamp 173 is connected from the control bus 163 to the junction of the Start push-button switch 170 and the motor overload switch 171, so` that whenever the motor is started and is running the lamp will be lighted. Anotherindicator lamp 173' is connected directly across the control buses 162 and 163 to indicate when the main switch 153is closed and these control buses are energized. The shedding drive motor 40 is started in operation by momentarily pressing `the Start push-'button switch 170, thus energizing the coil 155 to close the motor contacter switch including the holding contacts 169 which maintain the energization of the coil. Stopping of the motor is manually effected by pressing the Stop" pushbutton switch 169 which opens the circuit through the coil 155 and thus opens the motor contactor switch 154 and the circuit through the indicator lamp 173. Once started, the motor runs continuously unless shut down by manual opening of the Stop push-button switch 169 or by circuit failures or overload.

The Start and Stop push-button switches `170 and 169 and the indicatorlamp 173, together' with otherpushbutton switches and indicator lamps, are carried by a control station or console 174 mounted on the loom frame at a location convenient to the weaver, such as at an end of the breast beam 17.

The clutch control winding 61 is supplied with current from the contro-l buses or lines 162 and 163 'and is controlled by a power relay 175 with normally open switches 176 and 177. One terminal of the clutch control winding is connected to the control bus 163, and the other terminal of the winding is connected by a conductor 178 to a terminal of the relay switch 176. The other terminal of the relay switch 176 and a terminal of the relay switch 177 are connected by a conductor 179 to the control bus 162. The winding of the power relay 175 has one terminal Iconnected to the control bus or line 163 and is energized from the control buses 162 and 163 through circuit means, hereinafter deseribed,'including the switches 14S and 149 actuated by the -shipper rod 50.

Whenever the power relay 175 is energized, the relay switches 176 and 177 are closed and a circuit is established through the clutch control winding 61 by way of the conductors 178 and 179 and the relay switch 176, thus rendering operative the clutch link 45 to permit engagement and release of `the clutch-brake unit 41 by manual operation of the shipper rod 50. The relay switch 177 when closed is connected in a holding circuit for the power relay, as hereinafter described. In the case of a loom having a magnetic clutch, the Winding 61 in Fig. 14 will represent the clutch winding.

The coil or winding 71 for the lay retractor valve 71 is energize-d from the control `buses or lines 162 and 163 through selectively active circuits including respective conductors 1&0 and 181, these circuits being controlled in various ways as hereinafter described. Whenever the winding 71 is energized, the lay will fall `or advance, and whenever the circuit through this winding is interrupted,

the lay will return to its back position. The lay retractor valve winding 71 has one terminal connected to the control bus 163, and the other terminal of the winding is connected to the conductors 189 and 181. The manually controlled circuit through the winding by way of the conductor 1S@ includes in series one or more normally closed, laycontrol, push-button switches 182, a switch 183 of a lay position relay 184, and a normally closed switch 185 of a disconect or safety relay 186. The lay-control pushbutton switches 182 may be operated for manually controlling lay operation when the relay switches 163 and 185 are both closed.

Another' of the selectively active control circuits for the lay retractor valve winding 71 includes the timer cam switch 121 one terminal of which is connected to the lwinding by the conductor 181. The cam `switch 121 is controlled circuit for the lay retractor includes in series a pair of normally open, parallel-connected relay switches 187 and 13S of respective shuttle position relays 189 and 19t) responsive to shuttle homing, a normally open switch 191 of the disconnect or safety relay 186, and several other series-connected switches hereinafter described. The disconnect or safety relay 186 is energized as hereinafter described, closing the relay switch 191 to permit actuation of the lay under the control of the timer cam switch 121, and opening the relay switch 185 to prevent manual operation of the lay during timer-controlled operation. The relay switches 187 and 188 of the shuttle position relays 139 and 196 are alternately closed during timer-controlled operation of the loom, as hereinafter described, to complete the circuit through timer cam switch 121. The disconnect or safety relay 186, in addition to being under manual control, is automatically deenergized under abnormal conditions, as hereinafter described.

The timer cam switches 123 and 125, which are connected in the system as hereinafter described, close alternately for short periods to determine the intervals in the loom cycle in which shuttle throw may safely take place. The cam switch 123 is connected in series with the winding 82a of the right-hand throwing cylinder valve, and the cam switch 125 is connected in series with the winding B2b of the left-hand throwing cylinder valve. Each of the windings 82a and SZb has one terminal connected to the control bus 163.

The timer cam switches 127 and 129, which have a 'shuttle-iligbt scheduling function, cooperate with shuttlecontrolled circuit means hereinafter described and the relay to maintain the loom in operation as long as normal shuttle operation prevails, and to shut down the loom if the shuttle is late or incompletely boxed, or does noty arrive at the box, or is placed in the wrong box when the loom is started. The cam switches 127 and 129 are connected in vseries and close alternately but have overlapping periods of closure, each being closed for most of a revolution of the timer shaft.

The timer cam switch 131 closes twice in each revolution and cooperates with relay means hereinafter described to energize the electromagnets 103a and 103i: for restoring the shiftable stretch-oit retra-cting cams 100 to camming position. Each of the electromagnets 16301 and 13b has one terminal `connected to the control bus 163.

The timer cam switch 133 is provided for use in a Semi-Automatic mode of loom operation and is connected in circuit with the holding switch 177 ofthe power relay 175 to stop the loom at the end of a single shed change cycle in an indexed position appropriate for the next loom cycle. For this purpose, the rotary timer cam 132 has detent notches 132 at diametrically opposite points, as seen in Fig. 14, to open the switch 133 which is connected yin the holding circuit for power relay 175. When the loom is to be operated continuously in an Automatic mode, ythe timer cam switch 133 is by-passed.

The. loom system is provided with a selector switch assembly 192 which has four operative positions, designated 0th ManuaL Semi-Automatic, and Automatic, representing diterent modes of loom operation. The `selector switch assembly includes six switches, numbered 193, v194, 195, 196, 197, and 198, which arrange the elements of the loom circuit into networks that yield the desired mode of operation. The switch 198, which also forms va detent device for the selector `.switch assembly, opens momentarily whenever the switch assembly is moved from one position to another, but is closed when the .switch assembly is in any one of its operative positions.

In the Ofi mode `of operation, the shed changing mechanism may :be operated under the control of the shipper rod or clutch pole 50 and the lay may be operated under-manual control, either at -full blow or with an inching action, independently of all other loom functions. fNo shuttle operation is possible or ydesirable during this mode of operation.

In the Manual mode of operation, the shuttle may be thrown under manual control, with -or Without pirn, as for set-up and testing purposes. The shuttle may be thrown only while the lay is back, the shed fully open, the `shut-tlein the proper fbox, and the throw-controlling timer switch cams 122 and 124i in proper position.

In the Semi-Automatic mode of operation, the loom executes a single shed change cycle, including a shuttle throw, under the limit control of the timer cam switch 133, and stops in an indexed position appropriate for succeeding loom operations.

IIn the Automatic mode of operation, the loom operates continuously 'but can be stopped by voluntary `action of the operator. The loom will also be Istopped automatically upon depletion of the weft supply and uponV the occurrence `of any one of various abnormal conditions.

The Ilay position relay 184, which is energized as hereinafter described, includes a normally 'open switch 199,

`for establishing a holding circuit. The purpose of the 11 t Y, elay 184 is to permit the lay to he held either 'at its back position or in its freely suspended position at or near the face` of the work. The winding of the lay position relay is connected in a circuit 200 extending between the control :buses or lines 162 and 163 and can be energized only when the selector switch 197 is in Ott and Manual positions In this circuit,y one terminal of the .selector` switch 197 is connected to the control bus or line ,162, and the OE and Manualf terminals of `the select-or switch are both connected to a `terminal ofthe relay holding switch 199 and to a terminal of a push-button switch 201 which bridges or parallels the holding switch 199.` The other terminals of the relay switch 199 and push-button switch 201 are connected to a normally closed push-button switch 202 which is connected with a terminal of the winding of the relay 184, the other terminal of the winding being connected to the control bus 163. The push-button switch 202 is of a type which can be releasably locked `or latched in position, thus permitting the lay to remain in down position when the loom is started from rest. When the lay is to 'be held in down position the push-button switch 201 is momentarily closed to energize the relay, thus closing the relay switch 183, and when the lay is to be held in back position, the

push-button switch 202 is momentarily opened to deenergize the relay, thus opening Ithe relay `switch 183. If the switch 202 is locked in open position, the lay will 'be held at its back position.

The switches 148 and 149 of the shipper rod control station 147 control the energization of the lwinding `of the power relay 175,. and the switch 149 also forms part` of a holding circuit for this relay. The switch 148 has one terminal connected to the control bus 162 and the other terminal connected to a terminal of the associated series-connected switch 149. The :other terminal of the switch 149 is connected to a terminal of the switch 198, and the other terminal of the switch l198 is connected by a` conductor 203 with one terminalof the 'switch element 159 of the motor 'contacter switch 154. The other terminal of the switch element 159 of themotor contactor switch' is connected by a conductor 204 with a terminal of` the selector switch 193 and with a terminal of theyrelay switch 191. The conductor 204 `is also connected to terminals of two other normally open switches 20S and 206 of disconnect relay 186. The .Of and .Manual terminals of the selector switch 193 are connected by a conductor 207 with onel terminal of the winding -of the power` relay 175, and the other terminal ofthis relay windmgis connected to the control `bus or line 1'63. The relay switch 205 is connected in series with a pair `of -relay switchesy 208 and 209 'of the shuttle position relays 189 and 190, respectively, and a conductor 210 connects a terminal of the relay lswitch 209 with the winding of the power relay 175. The `three relay switches 205, 208 and 209 are thus connected in series with the winding of the power relay. During normal operation of the loom the relay Vswitches 208 and 209 open alternately, 1but the circuit is then maintained by the timer'switches 127 and 129 which shunt the respective relay switches V208 and 209. l i

The conductor 204 in the holding circuit for the power relay` includes one or more safety switches 211 which are closed `during normal operation of the loom Ibut which will open under abnormal conditions. By way of example, one of these safety switches vmay be a warp detector switch of conventional` `type responsive to a broken `warp wire, t Y

The junction of the series-connected switches 148vand 149 is connectedby a conductor 212 with a terminal of the selector switch 194. Anothervconductor 2,13 connects vthe latter switch terminal with a terminal ofthe rotary'cam switch 133, `andthe other terminal ofthiscam switch is `connected b y a conductor 214with` a terminal` offho'lding switch `177 of nthe power relay 1,75.. In the "OHM-:arid Automatic positions of the selector switch 12 194, the timer can switch 133 is by-passed by a conductor 215 connected to the Off" and Automatic" terminals of this selector switch.

In the Off position of the shipper rod, no current will ow through the winding of the power relay 175 in any of the tour positions of the selector switch assembly 192, and the clutch control winding 61 therefore remains deenergized. Assuming the shedding motor 40 to be running and the selector switch assembly 192 to be in the Oil1 position, the heddle or shedding motion is put into operation by manually shifting the shipper rod 50 to the On" position. During the movement of the shipper rod in the On direction, the shipper rod closes the switch 149 and continued movement of the rod to the On" position opens the switch 148. During the brief interval when the switches 148 and 149 are both closed, a circuit is established between the control buses or lines 162 and 163 to energize the power relay 175. The circuit includes the switches 148 and 149, the closed selector switch 198, the conductor 203 with its closed safety switches 211,.thc closed switch element 159 of the motor contactor switch, the conductor 204, the selector switch 193, thc conductor 207, and the winding of the power relay 175, thus closing the power relay switches 176and 177, and thereby energizing the clutch control winding 61 so as to permit actuation of the clutch-brake unit 41 by the shipper rod on its continued movement to the On position. The continued movement of the shipper rod to the On position opens the shipper rod switch 148, but a holding circuit for the power relay is then established by way of the conductor179, the holding switch 177, the conductors 214 and 215, the selector switch 194, the conductor 212, and then through the closed shipper rod switch 14,9 and thewinding of the power relay, as before. When the selector switch assembly is in Manual position, the same circuits for the clutch control are established except that the holding circuit then includes thc timer switch 133 and the conductor 213. With the selector switch in 05" position, the shedding motion will continue to operate as long as the shipper rod remains in its On position. With the selector switch assembly` in Manual position, the selector switch 194 is open, and operation of the shedding motion will be terminated at the end of a single shed cycle as the holding circuit for the power relay 175 will be interrupted by the timer switch 133. In the Semi-Antomatic and Automatic positions of the selector switch assembly, the selector switch 193 is open but the holding circuit for the power relay is then established through the conductor 210, the timer switches 127 and 129, the switches 208 and 209 of the shuttle position relays 189 and 190, and the switch 205 of the disconnect relay.

To effect a voluntary stop of the shedding motion, the shipper rod is moved to Ofi position. Upon movement of the rod the shipper rod switch `14S recloscs, but without harm, since the holding switch 177 of the power relay 175 is still closed.` In the last few degrees of motion of the lever ofthe shipper switch mechanism 1.47, the switch 149v reopens, thus opening the holding circuit for the power relay. The clutch control winding 61 is thus deenergized, and the heddle cam shaft is braked to a stop. Opening of the holding circuit at any one of various other points by reason ofabnormal conditions, as hereinafter described, will also stop the shedding motion and will return the lay to its back position except if the lay is held in its down position by the lay position relay 184 in the Ott and Manual positions of the selector switch assembly. The shipper rod will remain in On position but is then inoperative because of the disabling of the clutch link 45. To restore loom operation it is necessary to return the shipper rod to Otf" position and then after making the requisite corrections or adjustments toagain shift the shipper rod to its On position.

The shuttle-throwing valve windings 82a and 821) each have one terminal connected to the control bus or line 163, a'nd the other terminals of these windings are con- Anected by respective conductors 216 and 217 to terminals of respective switches 218 and 219,- these switches forming parts of respective relays 220 and 221. The other terminal of the relay switch 218 is connected by a conductor 222 with a terminal of the timer switch 123, and the other terminal of the relay switch 219 is connected by a conductor 223 with a terminal of the timer switch 125. The other terminals of the two timer switches 123 and 125 are connected by a conductor 224 with terminals of the shed position switches 146. The other terminals of the shed position switches are connected to a terminal of the lay-actuated switch 139 and to a. terminal of the layactuated switch 141. The other terminal of the layactuated switch 139 is connected to a terminal of the switch 206 of the disconnect or safety relay 186 through which the shuttle thrower valves are energized when the loom is operated automatically. In the Manual mode of loom operation the shuttle may be thrown manually under the control of the selector switch 195. A push-button switch 225 is connected between the control bus or line 162 'and a terminal of the selector switch 19S, and the Manual terminal of this selector switch is connected to a terminal of the lay-actuated switch 141, the switches 225, 195, and 141 being arranged in series.

An indictaor lamp 226. is connected between the control bus 163 and the conductor 222, and a similar indicator lamp 227 is connected between this control bus and the conductor 223. The indicator lamp 226 will' light whenever the timer switch 123is closed, and the indicatorlamp 227 will light whenever the timer switch 124 is closed, `thus indicating to the operator the proper shuttle box in which'to place the shuttle when shuttle operation is desired.

The winding of the disconnect or safety relay 186 is energized from the control buses 162 and 163 through a switch 22? of a low voltage auxiliary relay 229 controlled as hereinafter described. The relay switch 22S is connected in series with the selector switch 196 which is closed only in the Semi-Automatic and Automatic positions. A stretch failure indicator lamp 230 is energized from the control buses 162 and 163 through the selector switch 196 and through a normally closed switch 231 of the disconnect relay, so that this lamp will light whenever the disconnect relay is deenergized while the selector switch is in the VSemi-Automatic or Automatic position. The coil of the auxiliary relay 229 has one terminal connected to the low voltage bus 167 and the other terminal is con* nected through a holding switch 232 to a terminal of the lay-actuated switch 1410 and to a terminal of each of the stretchoit safety switches 113:1 and 113b. The other tert minals of these three switches are connected to the low voltage bus 166. As previously noted, the lay-actuated switch 141) is closed except for a short interval during the initial part of the fall of the lay. The stretch-off safety switches 113a and 113b are closed alternately when the right-hand and left-hand stretch-oit arms are in normal stretch-oit position, so that one or the other of these switches is closed when the lay-actuated switch 1d@ is momentarily opened, thus maintaining circuit continuity. The relay 229 has its normally open holding switch 232 shunted by a reset push-button switch 233 by which the circuit through the relaywinding is closed.

The winding of the relay 220 is energized from the low voltage` control buses through a circuit including the right-hand shuttle box `switch 87a, and the winding of the relay`221 is energized from these buses through a circuit including the left-hand shuttle box switch 37b, so that whenever the shuttle enters a shuttle box the switch 218 or 219 of the corresponding throwing circuit will be closed. The winding `of the relay 139 is energized from the lowrvoltage buses through a circuit including the right-hand shuttle box switch 83a, and the winding of the relay 190 is energized from these buses through `a circuit including the left-hand shuttle box switch 88h, so that whenever the shuttle is fullyhomed in a shuttle box the corresponding relay will be energized to permit continued operation of the loom, as hereinafter described. if the shuttle should rebound after homing, the corresponding relay 189 or 1190 will be deenergized and stop the operation of the loom, as hereinafter described.

The control winding 1030i for the right-hand stretchofr device is energized from lthe control buses 162 and 163 through a circuit including a normally open switch 234 of a relay 235, and the control winding 103b for the left-hand stretch-oit device is energized from these control buses through a circuit including a normally open switch 236 of a relay 237. The windings of these relays are energized from the low voltage control buses 166 and 167 through respective switches 238 and 239 of a relay 240. The winding of the relay 240 is energized for resetting from the low voltage buses through the reset timer switch 1311 and through a manual reset pushbutton switch 241. The relay 23S has a normally open holding switch 242 which is connected in an energizing circuitin series with a normally closed switch 243 of the relay 220, and the relay 237 has a similar holding switch 244 connected in an energizing circuit in series with a normally closed switch 245 of the relay 221. Momentary opening of these energizing circuits will release the respective stretch-oit arms.

In shifting Ithe selector switch assembly 192 from any one of its four positions to any other position the shipper rod 50 should be in the Olii position. However, if this rod should inadvertently be left in On position during shifting of the selector switch assembly, the switch 193 of this switch assembly will momentarily open, lthus interrupting the holding circuit for the power relay 17S and bringing the loom to a stop.

When the loom is in automatic operation, which is the normal mode of operation, weft is laid in the warp shed by cyclic passage of the shuttle back and forth between the shuttle boxes. The shuttle throwing circuit through each of the alternately closing timer cam switches 123 and `125 is completed through the lay-actuated switch 139 which closes on the latter portion of the back stroke of the lay. However, the shuttle will be thrown only if certain conditions of operation are met. The disconnect or safety relay 186 must be energized to close the switch 296 thereof which is connected in series in the throwing circuit. The energization of the disconnect relay is ef fected by energizing the auxiliary rclay 229 by the reset push-button switch 233. The shed must be fully open resulting in the closing of one or the other of the heddle position switches 146 in the throwing circuit. The shuttle ilight must occur in the proper direction and in the alloted interval of the loom cycle as determined by the timer cam switches 123 and 125. The shuttle must be in the correct box, energizing the relay 226 or the relay 221 so as to complete the throwing circuit through the switch 218 or the switch 219. The shuttle must be fully boxed, energizing the relay 139 or the relay 12) to close the associated relay contacts. The shuttle pirn must be full or at least have a sufcient amount of wire to complete a wett shot. The lay must be in the proper swing cycle so as to close the lay-actuated switch 139 in the permissible shuttle release intervals of the loom cycle. The motor dil must be running, closing thek interlock switch element 159. The shipper rod must be in On position so as to operate lthe shedding motion and cam switch mechanism and to complete a supply circuit for the thrower valve solenoids and the lay retractor valve winding. f

Assuming the shuttle to be thrown from the right-hand shuttle box, the shuttle -ilies through the fully open shed toward the left-hand box while the lay is at `the latter par-t of its back stroke or has reached its back position, and lays a weft in the shed. Upon arrival of the shuttle in the left-hand box within the allotted time it closes in quick succession the shuttle box switches 87h and 8gb. The closing of switch @7b energizes the relay 221, closing the stretch-off arm 106 to its forward position, this release i occurring while the lay is at its back position. As seen in Fig. 13, theY newly inserted weft extends in a diagonal direction indicated by broken lines, and while the shed is fully open and the lay is in its back position the lefthand stretch-off arm 106 shifts the weft to a position close to and substantially parallel to the fell or face of the work and in a substantially straight condition. With normal stretch-oif the left-hand stretch-off safety switch 1'13b`closes and establishes a circuit path in parallel to the lay switch 140 for a later weft test. The left-hand shuttle box switch SSb closes when the shuttle is fully boxed and energizes the shut-tlc homing relay 190 which `in turn closes switch 188 in the circuit of the lay retractor valve winding 71', and also closes switch 209 in the holding circuit for the power relay 175 so that this holding circuit remains energized notwithstanding subsequent opening of the timer cam switch 129 which parallels the switch 209. Soon after boxing of the shuttle in the left-hand shuttle box the timer camswitch 121 closes to complete the circuit through the winding 71 of `the lay retractor valve, releasing the compressed air from the air cylinder 67 and permitting fall of `the lay by gravity and spring action on its beat-up or forward stroke. During the initial part of the fall of `the lay, the left-hand stretch-off arm brings the laid weft wire closer to the fell, if the stretch-olf is not completed while the lay is in its back position. After the lay drops a short distance, lay-actuated switch 140 momentarily opens to test for a properly laid weft, as hereinafter described, the switch 140 reclosing before the time `of beat.

At about the time of beat, timer switch 131 closes to reset the previously shifted stretch release cams `100 to camming position. The closing of timer switch 131 energizes relay 240 which in turn closes the associated switches 238 and 239. The closing of switch 239 energizes relay 237 which in turn closes the holding switch 244 and the switch 236. The closing 'of switch 236 energizes electromagnet 103b which lifts the left-hand stretch return cam to camming position. The closing of switch 238 of relay 240 energizes relay 235 which in turn closes the holding switch 242 and switch 234. The closing of switch 234 energizes electromagnetla which lifts the right-hand stretch return cam to camming position. Timer switch 131 `remains closed until just after the shuttle is released from either box, but opens before the shuttle arrives in the opposite box.

The shed changes shortly after the weft isbeat up and in some instances may start to close shortly before beatup. The heddle position switches 146 in the shuttle throwing 'circuit are both open during the shed change to prevent accidental shuttle throw while `the shed is changing, but one or the other of these switches is closed when the shed is fully open.

At about the time of beat-up, the timer switch 121 opens the lay retractor valve circuit, thus admitting compressed air to the air cylinder 67 to return the lay to its back position. At the latter part of the back stroke of the lay the lay-actuated switch 139 closes but opens when the lay completes its back stroke. The rotary timer cam 124, whichadvances in synchronism with the shedding motion, closes switch 125l Upon coincident closure of the switch `139, one of the switches 146, the switch 125 and the switch 219, a circuit is established through the left-hand thrower valve winding 82b, thus admitting compressed air to the associated throwing cylinder so as to `propel 4the shuttle in a tlight to ,the right-hand shuttle shuttle box.

box. During the period the timer switch 125 is closed, the indicator lamp 227 lights. Before the shuttle has started its llight, the stretch-off arms 106 have been retracted by the cams during the back swing of the lay so as not to interfere with the shuttle ight. Shortly after the shuttle leaves the `box the stretch resetting timer cam switch 131 opens, but holding circuits are then established through the relays 235 and 237 by way of the respective switches 242 and 244. If the lay` isvslightly late, timer switch may close slightly before the lay actuated switch 139 closes, but the closing of either of these switches will releasethe shuttle if the loom is operat' i ing in the proper` time cycle.

As the shuttle leaves the left-hand shuttle box the shuttle box switches 88h and 87b open in quick succession to deenergize the relays 190 and 221, thus opening the switches 188 and 209 of the relay 190, and also opening the switch 219 of relay 221 and closing switch 245 of the latter relay. The opening of the switch 219 terminates the throwing operation, and the left-hand picker stick immediately returns to its retracted position. Closing of the switch 245 enables a holding circuit to be established through the winding of the relay 237 which effects the lifting of the left-hand stretch return cam to camming position, as hereinbefore described. The opening of the switch 188 has no effect in normal operation since the timer switch 121 is already open but insures against fall or advance of the lay while the shuttle is in ight. The opening of the switch 209 has no effect in normal operation, since this switch is then shunted by the closed timer switch 129 to maintain the holding circuit for the power relay 175.

Upon arrival of the shuttle in the right-hand box within the allotted time, the shuttle closes in quick succession the shuttle box `switches 87a and 88a. The closing of switch 87a energizes the relay 220, closing the associated switch 21S to set up the righthand throwing circuit for subsequent shuttle throwfrom the right-hand box. associated switch 243 whichin turn deenergizes relay 235, thus opening switch 234 and the holding switch 242. Opening of the switch 234 deenergizes the electromagnet 103er, causing the associated cam 100to drop to effect immediate release Aof the right-hand stretch-01T arm 106 to its forward position to stretch off the weft, this release occurring while the lay is at its back position. The stretch-oif safety switch 113:1 closes. The right-hand shuttle box switch 88a closes when the shuttle is fully boxed and energizes the shuttle homing relay 189 which in turn closes switch 187 in the circuit of the lay retracting valve winding, and also closes switch 208 in the holding circuit for the power relay 175 so that this holding circuit remains energized notwithstanding subsequent opening of the timer cam switch 127 `which parallels the switch 208. Soon after boxing of the shuttle in the right-hand shuttle box the timer cam switch 121 closes to complete the lay retractor valve circuit, thus permitting fall of the lay, as previously explained. As in the previous half-cycle, the lay-actuated switch momentarily opens during the initial part of the fall of the lay to test for a properly laid weft.

At about the time of beat, timer switch 131 operates as 4before to reset the stretch-off return cams 100 to camming position. The shed changes shortly after the weft is beat up, and the previously closed heddle position switch 146 opens and the other companion switch closes.

Shortly after beat-up the timer switch 121 opens to effect return of the lay to its back position. At the latter part of the back stroke of the lay, the lay-actuated switch 139 again closes but opens when the lay completes its back stroke. The rotary timer cam 122 closes switch 123, and a circuit is established through the righthand thrower valve winding 82a by way of the switch 218, thus throwing the shuttle in a ight to the left-hand During the period the timer switch 123 cycle relation for starting.

17 is closed, the indicator lamp 226 lights. The cyclev of operation is then repeated.

In the two-shed vloom shown in the drawings the rotary timer cams are driven at the same speed as the heddle shaft, whereas in a three-shed loom for producing twill weave cloth, the rotary timer cams will be driven at a speed three-halves the rotational speed of the heddle shaft.

The operation of the loom with automatic shuttle throwing will take place when the selector switch 192 is placed in either the Automatic and Semi-Automatic positions. In the latter position, the timer cam switch 133 is Voperative to stop the loom in a selected indexed position at an appropriate point in the loom cycle after completion of a shuttle throw. The preferred stopping position of the loom is with the lay in its back position and Vafter completion of a shuttle throw. The holding circuit for the power relay 175 is broken at the switch 133 when the movable switch member enters one of the notches l132. Preferably, however, the loom cornes to rest with the switch 131 just reclosed, because of the inertia of they moving parts of the loom, thus simplifying restarting of the loom, as for repetition of the one-half cycle operation.

In the operation of the loom, shuttle flight time and lay travel time are subject to some variation. Shuttle flight must terminate before completion of the lay back swing or very shortly thereafter, or the loom must be brought to a stop to prevent damage. Also, shuttle flight must terminate with the shuttle fully boxed at the end of the ight period to assure a proper succeeding shuttle throw and to prevent the shuttle from protruding into the work face. If the shuttle is not fully boxed or rebounds from boxed position the loom must be stopped. The rotary cam switches 127 and 129 cooperate with the shuttle box relays 189 and 190'to assure circuit continuity in the holding circuit for the power relay 175 during the normal loom cycle. At the time the shuttle is ready to leave the right-hand box, timer 'switch 129 is closed and timer switch 127 is open. An instant before the shuttle is released timer switch 127 closes to by-pass relay switch 208; an instant after the shuttle is released switch 208 opens but circuit continuity for the power relay 175 is maintained by timer switch 127. At the instant the shuttle is received in the left-hand box, switch 209 of the shuttle box relay 190 closes and parallels the timer switch 129. An instant later, at about the time of release of the lay, timer switch 129 opens, but relay switch 209 and timer switch 127 maintain the holding circuit. If the shuttle does not arrive in the lefthand box before timer switch 129 opens, the holding circuit 'for the power relay 175 will be broken to shut down the loom. Also, if the shuttle is prematurely thrown from the right-hand box, the relay switch 208 will open before it is by-passed by the timer switch 127, thus shutting down the loom.

In the shuttle ight from the left-hand box an opposite sequence occurs: timer switch 129 recloses just prior to 'shuttle release; the shuttle release deenergizes the relay 190"to open the switch 209 but timer switch 129 then maintains the circuit; and the shuttle arrives in the right-hand box and energizes relay 189 to close switch 208 an instant before timer switch 127 opens.

Premature throwing of the shuttle, tardy arrival of the shuttle, non-arrival of the shuttle, rebound of the shuttle after timely arrival, and improper shuttleposition in the box will all-effect shut down of theloom in safe condition. The lay retractor circuit will be broken at the relay switches 187 and 188, preventing fall of the lay or restoring the lay to its back position if it has started to fall. The operator is then compelled to return the shipper rod to Oif position, place the shuttle in the proper box, and place the loom in proper time If the operator places the 18 shuttle in the wrong box, the loom will shut down upon an attempt to start.

If both of the stretch-off safety or weft detector switches 113a and 113b are open at the time the lay starts to fall, indicating absence of a weft or an improperly laid weft, the momentarily opened lay-actuated switch 140 will open the circuit through the winding of the auxili ary relay 229, thus opening the holding switch 232 and the switch 228. The opening of the switch 228 deenergizes the disconnect or safety relay 186, thus bringing the loom to a stop. The closing of the switch 231 lights the indicator lamp 230, informing the operator that there has been a stretch failure.

When the loom is at rest or shut down, the compressed air supply and electric power are shut olf, and the lay 19 hangs freely in a vertical position with the reed spaced rearwardly from the face of the work. The shuttle boxes are empty, and the stretch-olf arms 106 are in their forward position. The shipper rod or clutch pole 50 is in the Off position, and the selector switch assembly 192 is in the Off position.

The loom is placed in readiness for operation with the selector switch assembly 192 in the Off position. The power supply main switch 153 is closed manually, and then the air supply is turned on. The push-button switch 241 marked Manual Stretch Return is momentarily closed to energize the relay 240 and consequently the relays 235 and 237, so as to energize the electromagnets 10351 and 103b and thereby actuate the stretch-off return cams to camming position. The lay will be retracted to its back position or dwell by the air cylinder 67, since the lay retractor valve 71 remains deenergzed, and during the latter part of the retracting stroke of the lay, the cam rollers 99 for the stretch-olf arms will ride on the cams 100 to move the stretch-off arms to their retracted position. If for any reason the lay should be back, or nearly so, before the cams 100 are actuated to camming position, the cams during their lifting travel will have a camming action on the stretch-olf cam rollers 99 and lswing the stretch-off arms 106 to their retracted position. The picker sticks 76 will remain intheir re* 'tr-acted positions during the retraction of the lay, since neither of the solenoid valves 82 for the throwing cylinders will be energized, thus avoiding unnecessary actuation of the picker sticks and preventing abnormal stresses thereon which would otherwise develop in the absence of the shuttle.

If at the time the electric power is turned on, but before the air supply is turned on, the push-button switch 202 for the lay position relay 184 should belocked or latched in its closed position, the lay position relay 184 will immediately be energized, thus energizing the lay retractor valve winding 71' through the circuit 180, so that the lay will remain in its freely suspended position. However, the lay can be manipulated by pressing any one of the manual lay push-button switches 182, which will effect retraction -of the lay. Upon release of the push-button switch 201 and opening of the pushbutton switch 202 for the lay position relay, the lay retractor valve winding 71 will be deenergzed, and the lay will be retracted. i

With the shipper rod or clutch pole 50 in the Off position the motor is started by momentarily closing the Start push-button switch 170, as hereinbefore described. The Ready lamp 173 lights, indicating thatr the motor is running and that the loom is in readiness for further operations or weaving.

With the selector switch assembly 192 in the Off position, the switches 193, 194, and 197 thereof are closed, and circuit networks are arranged so that the shedding motion may be operated independently and continuously for as long as the shipper rod remains in On position. Also, in either the Of or Manual position of the selector switch assembly, the lay may be manually operated at full blow or with an inching action 19 independentlyiofall other loom functions. During the Oli mode of operation, no shuttle operationis possible or desirable. t

The heddle or shedding motion is put into operation by manually shifting the shipper rod 50 to the On posi` tion, thus placing the Clutch-Brake unit 41 in clutching condition to drive the heddle-operating cam shaft 34 and the rotary cam switch mechanism, vas hereinbefore described. However, the cam switch mechanism is inactive when the selector switch assembly is in the Otfposition. The `lay may be manipulated while the shedding motion is stationary or in operation.

The loom functions in the Manual position of the selector switch assembly are the same as those with Off position except thatthe shedding motion .will execute only one shed change, representing 180 of the loom cycle, yand `will stop automatically, under the control of the timer switch 133,-in a suitable indexed position with the shed fully open. Preferably, in this indexed position,the lay is in its back position at the end of the back stroke., In addition,4 manually `controlled shuttle throw is possible if the shed, the lay and the shuttle throw `timer cams 122 and 124, are properly disposed. The shuttle is inserted in the proper shuttle box as directed by the indicator lamps 226 and 227, and can be thrown with or without pirn for set-up or testing purposes. The shuttle can be released only :from one direction as determined by the position of the timer cam switches 123 and 125.l

In the' Manual position of the selector switch assembly, the selector switches 193,` 195, andf197 are closed. The manual throwing circuit is established through the push-button switch1225, the selector switch 195,` the lay-actuated switch 141,` and thenthrough the heddle position switches 146 and timer switches 123 and 125 as inthe Automatic mode of operation. Manual throw can be effected only while the lay is in its back position,` the lay-actuated switch 141 in the ,throwing circuit being closed only` while the lay is in'this position. Repetitions of the one-half cycle may be obtained by returning the shipper rod to Off position and then restoring the rod to On position.

Before shiftingthe selector switch assembly from Off to tManualposition, the shipper rod should be returned` to Off position. However, if the shipper rod should inadvertently `remain in On position duringthe actuation of the selector switch assembly 192, the switch 198` will momentarily open and thus deenergize the power relay 175, and consequently the clutch control winding 61,y releasing the clutch-brake unit to braking position. It will then be necessary for `the operator to return the shipper rod to OE position and thereafter move `the rod to On position in order to effect` reclutching.

After shuttle operationV has been found satisfactory in the ManuaPimode of operation, `the shipper rod is returned `to Off position'and the selector `switch assembly 192 is then placed in Automatic or Semi- Automatic position. The shipper rod is then zshifted to On position, to start the loom in operation, and the loom will then operate as hereinbefore described.

I claim:

1. In atloom having a lay and means for laying and tensioning a weft ina warp shed, and electric control circuit means `for controlling the forward stroke ofthe lay, said circuit means including trst and second circuit- 7 closers connected in parallel circuit paths, means responysive to the presence of a normally laid and tensioned weft for actuating said rst circuit-closer to closed condition, and layfcontrolled means for momentarily opening said second 'circuit-closer during the initial part of the forward stroke ofthe lay.

2. In atloonrhaving pa lay and having a shuttle for laying a weft, shuttle propelling means including a control electromagnet, and electric control circuit means including said electromagnet` and furtherincluding a lay-,con-

trolled circuit-closer momentarily actuated to active position by the lay on the back stroke of the lay, said switch beingin inactive position when :the 4lay is at its back position.

3. In a loom having a lay and a shedding motion and shuttle propelling means, electrically controlled means for actuating said shuttle propelling means and including a lay-controlled circuit-closer momentarily actuated `to active position by the lay on the back stroke of the lay, said electrically `controlled means 4further including a circuit-controlling element responsiveto the condition of the shed and` preventing throw of the shuttle except when the shed is in open condition.

4. In a loom having a lay and a shuttle motion, laycontrolling circuit means includinga `weft-detecting circuit-closer responsive tothe presence `of a properly laid weftlin the warp shed,said `circuit means furtherincluding a lay-actuated,circuit-closer connected in parallel to said weft-detecting circuit-,closer and momentarily opened during'the advance of the lay. to test the condition of` said weft-detecting circuit-closer, and means for preventing beat-up by thelay in the event that said circuit means is opened at both of said circuit-closets.

5. In a loom having a lay movable on forward and return strokes, means for placing and tensioning a weft in a warp shed to be beat up'by the lay on its forward stroke, a weft detector switch closed when the weft is in normal tensioned condition, a second switch momentarily opened by the lay during the initial part of its forward stroke, 'and electric circuit means controlled by said switches effective to cause continued forward travel of said lay to beat-up the weftifjsaid weft detector switch is closed, but effective to prevent beat up by the lay and cause retraction of the lay if both of said switches are simultaneously open. t

6. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay movable on forward and return strokes and further having a shuttle movable back and 'forth between shuttle boxes for placing Vsuccessive wefts in ra warp shed, throwing means associated `with `each shuttle .box to propel the shuttle alternately vbetween said shuttle boxes, timing means for controlling the'alternate operation of said throwing means, and shuttle-controlled means cooperating with said timingmeans for preventing operation of said throwing means ifthe shuttle is absent from the proper shuttle boxV or is located in the` wrong box, and indicating means `for informing the operator of the proper box in which to place the shuttle.

7. In a loom having a lay and shuttle boxes and further having ashuttle movable back-and forth between said shuttle boxes to lay a weft in-the warp shed, stretch-off means` adjacent `to eachshuttle box for `tensioning the laid weft, shuttle throwing means associated with each shuttle` box, a tirst shuttle-,operated switch associated with each shuttle box and closed by the shuttlewhen the shuttle enters the box and opened whenthe shuttle leaves the box, a second shuttle-operated switch-associated with each` shuttle box and closed by the shuttle when the shuttle is fully boxed and opened when the shuttle is out of fully boxed position, and electric circuitmeans controlled by said rst switch to initiate operation of the corresponding stretch-off means when the shuttle `enters the box, said electric circuit means being controlled by said second switch to initiate operation of the corresponding shuttle throwing means when the shuttle is fully boxed.

8. Ina loom having a lay and-shuttle boxes and further having a shuttle movable back and forth between said shuttle boxes to lay a weftin the warp shed, stretch-off meansmadjacent to each shuttle box for tensioning the laid weft, `shuttle throwing means associated with each shuttle box; a first shuttle-operated switch associated with -each shuttle .box and closed by the shuttle when the shuttle enters the box and opened when the shuttle leaves the box, a second shuttle-operated switch associated with each shuttle boxtand closedV by the shuttle when the shuttle is fully boxed and opened when the shuttle is out of fully boxed position, and electric circuit means controlled by said first switch to initiate operation of the corresponding stretch-off means when the shuttle enters the box, said electric circuit means being controlled by said second switch to initiate operation of the corresponding shuttle throwing means when the shuttle is fully boxed, and said electric circuit means being further controlled by said first switch to discontinue the operation of said throwing means when the shuttle leaves the box.

9. In a loom having a lay and shuttle boxes and further having a shuttle movable back and forth between said shuttle boxes to lay a weft in the warp shed, stretchoff means adjacent to each shuttle box for tensioning the laid weft, shuttle throwing means associated with each shuttle box, a first switch responsive to normal tensioning of the laid weft and movable thereby to closed position, a second switch connected in parallel to said iirst switch and actuated by the lay at the beginning of its forward stroke for momentarily opening said second switch, and electric circuit means including said switches for controlling the lay and permitting the continued forward stroke of the lay to beat up the weft if either of said switches is closed and preventing the continued forward stroke of the lay if both of said switches are simultaneously open.

l0. In a loom having a reciprocatory lay and shuttle boxes and further having a shuttle movable back and forth between said shuttle boxes to lay a weft in the warp shed, shuttle throwing means associated `with each shuttle box and including a throwing element movable on a throwing stroke and 'a retracting stroke, said shuttle when horned in each box being closely adjacent to the associated retracted throwing element, and electrically controlled means for actuating each shuttle throwing means after the shuttle is boxed, said electrically controlled means including a iirst control element rendered active by the shuttle during its passage into the box and a second control element rendered active by the shuttle in its horned position.

ll. In a loom having a reciprocatory lay and shuttle boxes and further having a shuttle movable back and forth between said shuttle boxes to lay a weft in the warp shed, shuttle throwing means associated with each shuttle box and including a throwing element movable on a throwing stroke and a retracting stroke, said shuttle when horned in each box being closely adjacent to the associated retracted throwing element, and electrically controlled means for actuating each shuttle throwing means after the shuttle is boxed, said electrically controlled means including a lirst control element rendered active by the shuttle during its passage into the box and a second control element rendered active by the shuttle in its horned position, and said electrically controlled means further including a third control element rendered active by the lay near the end of its backward stroke.

l2. In a loom having a lay and means for laying and tensioning a weft in a warp shed, electric control circuit means for controlling the forward stroke of the lay, said circuit means including first and second paths arranged in parallel and cooperating to maintain circuit continuity for permitting continued operation of the loom, means responsive to the presence of a normally laid and tensioned weft for establishing said iirst circuit path, and lay-controlled means for momentarily interrupting said second circuit path during the initial part of the forward stroke of the lay, whereby if said first circuit path is open said circuit means will be interrupted to prevent further forward movement of the lay.

13. In a loom having means for laying a weft in a warp shed, stretch-off means for tensioning and positioning the laid weft and including a shiftable weft-engaging member movable on forward and return strokes and acting on its forward stroke to tension the weft, said weftengaging member having at an intermediate portion of its maximum forward stroke a limited normal range of terminal positions corresponding to normal stretch-olf of the weft, and electric circuit means for controlling the continued operation of the loom and including a circuit element cooperating with said stretch-off means and actuated to effective condition by said stretch-olf means when said weft-engaging member is in its normal range of terminal positions.

14. In a loom having a plurality of component motions including a weft stretch-olf motion, electrically controlled means coordinating the cyclic operation of said motions, and electrically controlled means for individually operating said stretcheoif motion.

l5. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay movable on forward and return strokes and further having a shuttle movable on alternating flights between shuttle boxes; driving means f-or said shedding motion; operating means for said lay; alternately operable shuttle-throwing means for said respective shuttle boxes; electric control circuit means for said driving means including a first pair of loom-operated timing switch means operating at diiferent predetermined periods in the loom cycle and shuttle-controlled detector switch means responsive to shuttle boxing in. either shuttle box to continue loom operation if the shuttle is on time and fully boxed but to stop loom operation if the shuttle fails to complete its flight; a second pair of loom-controlled timing switch means .cooperating with the respective shuttle-throwing means and operating alternately at predetermined periods in the loom cycle; lay-controlled switch means actuated to active position on the return stroke of the lay; and electric control circuit means for said alternately operable shuttle-throwing means controlled jointly by said second pair of,timing switch means, said lay-controlled switch means, and said shuttle-controlled switch means.

l6. in a loom having a shedding motion and a lay movable on forward and return strokes and further having a shuttle movable on alternating flights between shuttle boxes; driving means for said shedding motion; operating means for said lay; alternately operable shuttle- 'throwing means for said respective shuttle boxes; electric A control circuit means for said driving means including a rst pair of loom-operated timing switch means operating at different predetermined periods in the loom cycle and shuttle-controlled detector switch means responsive to shuttle boxing in either shuttle box to continue loom operation if the shuttle is on time and fully boxed but to stop loom operation if the shuttle fails to complete its flight; a second pair of loom-controlled timing switch means cooperating with the respective shuttle throwing means and operating alternately at predetermined periods in the loom cycle; lay-controlled switch means actuated to active position on the return stroke of the lay; shedcontrolled switch means actuated to active position when the shed is fully open; and electric control circuit means for said alternately operable shuttle-throwing means controlled jointly by said second pair of timing switch means, said lay-controlled switch means, said shuttle-controlled switch means, and said shed-controlled switch means.

17. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay movable on forward and return strokes, means including a shuttle for placing a weft in a Warp shed to be beat up by the lay on its forward stroke, stretch-off means for tensioning the weft prior to beat-up including a weft-engaging member movable on a forward weft-tensioning stroke and on a return stroke, means controlled by the shuttle at the Icompletion of its flight for actuating said weft-engaging member on its forward stroke, and means including a loom-controlled timing switch for actuating said weft-engaging member on its return stroke after beateup of the weft by the lay.

18. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay motion and a yshuttle motion each individually operable, driving means for said shedding motion, electric control circuit means for starting and stopping said driving means,

electrically controlled actuating means for-each of said lay motion and shuttle motion, means cooper-.ating with saidcontrol circuit-means and actuating means for Aelectrically coordinating said motions to effect automatic operation of the loom, land means for selectively operating said motions including a selector switch assembly having a plurality of positions determining different modes of operation of the loom, said selector switch assembly having a controlling connection with said circuit means to stop said driving means whenever said selector switch assembly is shifted from any one position to another posi tion.` y v 19. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay/ motion includinga lay and further having a shuttle motion including a shuttle, means coordinating the cyclic operation of said motions, manually controlled means for throwing said shuttle, and protective means for preventing the manually-controlled throw of the Vshuttle unless the shed is fully open and the lay is at its back position.

20. In a loom having a shedding motion and a lay motion including a lay and further having a shuttle motion including a shuttle movable back and forth between shuttle boxes and shuttle throwers associated with the shuttle boxes, means `coordinating the cyclic operation of said motions including timing means for rendering said shuttle throwers alternately active, manually controlled means for throwing said shuttle, and protective means for preventing themanually controlled throw of the shuttle unless the shuttle is placed in the proper box and unless the shed is fully open and the lay is at its back position.

21. In a loomhaving a shedding motion `and a lay motion including a reciprocatory lay and further` having a shuttle movable back and forth between shuttle boxes, said lay motion including lay retracting means operable at any time in the loom cycle, timing means normally controlling the reciprocation of said lay on beat-up and retracting strokes, shuttle-scheduling timing means for shutting down the loom and preventing a beat-up stroke of the lay if the shuttle is not fully boxed on schedule, and shuttle-controlled means responsive to boxing of the shuttle after a timely ilight for preventing a beat-up stroke of the lay until the shuttle is fully boxed, said shuttle-controlled means being eiective to continue loom operation and permit the beat-up stroke of the lay so long as the shuttle remains fully boxed but to `stop loom operation and effect retraction ofthe lay if the shuttle shiftsout of fully boxed position.

22. In a loom having a shedding motion and` a lay motion including a lay and further having a shuttle motion including shuttle-throwing means and a shuttle movable back and forth between shuttle boxes, said la)r motion including lay-retracting means operable at any time in the loom cycle, timing means normally controlling shuttle throw and vthereciprocation of the lay `on beat-up and retracting strokes, electric circuit means for controlling loom `operation and lincluding shuttle-sheduling timer 'switch means which closes just before a shuttle throw and opens atthe end of a shuttle ilight interval of predetermined duration to maintain loom operation during said interval-but to stop the loom if the shuttle is not boxed on schedule, said circuit means further including a shuttle-controlledelementresponsive to boxing of the shuttle after a timely ight to continue loom operation and to prevent a beat-up stroke` of the lay until the shuttle is fully boxed, said shuttle-controlled element being effective upon shifting of the shuttle out of fully boxed position at any time during the beat-up stroke of the lay and lduring the return stroke of the lay to substantially the time set for shuttle throw to stop the loom and to retract the lay if the lay is out of retracted position.

23. In a loom having a lay movable on beat-up and retracting strokes and further having a shuttle movable in a flight to a shuttle box, timing means normally controlling shuttle throw, timing switch means closed during a shuttle flight interval but open at the end of the interval, shuttle-operated switch means closed by thc shuttle when it yenters the box and `becomes fully boxed, electric circuit means controlled by Vboth of said switch means and effective to continue loom operation so long as said shuttle-operated switch means is closed before said timer switch means opens but effective to cause loom stoppage if both of said switch means are open simultaneously, said lshuttle-operated switch means being effective upon shifting Hof the shuttle out of fully boxed position atanytime during `the beat-up stroke of the lay and Yduring -the return stroke of thelay to substantially the time set for shuttle throw to stop the loom and to retract the lay if the lay is out of retracted position.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 978,248 Weissenborn Dec.,13, 1910 1,620,836 Schmiege Mar. 15, 1927 2,051,902 Rossmann Aug. 25, 1936 2,146,611 Young Feb. 7, 1939 2,146,922 Timberlake Feb. 14, 1939 2,202,323 Sullivan May 28, 1940 2,204,725 Crites June 18, 1940 2,315,152 Bullum Mar. 30, 1943 2,363,415 Harter Nov. 2l, 1944 2,377,800 Mascarenhas June 5, 1945 2,407,773 Fletcher Sept. 17, 1946 2,556,785 Abbott lune 12, 1951 2,600,667 Mason June 17, 1952 2,648,354 Mascarenhas Aug. 11, 1953 

